With a wide range of free events taking place year-around, there’s always something to celebrate in Santa Cruz County every weekend. See what’s happening in Santa Cruz County and check out events here!
Around the World in 60-90 Minutes! The first Saturday of each month, the Arboretum offers a docent or staff-led tour of the Arboretum. Sometimes you will see New Zealand, South […]
Artists set up their easels on the wharf, shore, and streets of beautiful Capitola, to paint live for four days. You'll find hundreds of paintings on display, for sale, and […]
Kids enter free to the Santa Cruz Sea Glass & Ocean Art Festival. The festival features genuine sea glass and artist-made creations while benefiting our local marine environment. This year […]
Dine, shop and explore the Seabright neighborhood while it has restricted car access and enjoy the walkability and views! You could win a souvenir with only one stamp! How to […]
On this hike you will be discovering the natural history of Wilder Ranch as well as the people and forces that shaped it. Be prepared to explore for 5 hours […]
The Santa Cruz Antique Faire is on the 2nd Sunday of every month from 9am-5pm, weather permitting. Vendors offer an eclectic blend of antiques and unique items, vintage clothing, collectibles […]
This month, in recognition of Native American Heritage Month, The Santa Cruz Mission State Park is launching People Who Lived Here, a new multimedia tour through Santa Cruz Mission State […]
Travel over trestles, through towering redwood groves and up a winding narrow-gauge grade to the summit of Bear Mountain as conductors narrate the history of Roaring Camp, the railroad and […]
Every Sunday at Noon Experience a guided hike through an old-growth redwood forest filled with ancient trees over 200 feet tall. Connect one on one with park staff. […]
Whim & Wonder invites you into a world where the extraordinary hides in plain sight. This exhibition celebrates the playful elegance and curious brilliance found in the overlooked, the reimagined, […]
This exhibition will feature master shaper, Bob Pearson's precisely fashioned replicas of redwood o'lo boards first created by the princes in 1885 and ridden at the mouth of the San […]
Presenting the Downtown Santa Cruz Fall Wine Walk 2025! Enjoy the heart of the Central Coast to taste great wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond. Sip while strolling […]
Come hang out in the secret garden and have some laughs, EVERY MONDAY NIGHT. Featuring comedians from all over the area and beyond.
Spice up your Tuesdays! Enjoy a sizzling social dance party every Tuesday night! Move to the rhythms of salsa, cumbia, merengue, and bachata in a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere. It’s free, […]
Mi Casa es Tu Casa is an annual Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit inspired by the traditional holiday of Día de Los Muertos/Day of the Dead celebrated in Mexico and beyond […]
The Downtown Santa Cruz Market runs year-round on Wednesdays, 1-5pm year round. Our largest and oldest market, it is situated in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz, one block off […]
Trivia every Wednesday! Hosted at Front and Cooper inside of Abbott Square Market Go test your knowledge, win some prizes and have some hand crafted cocktails! Brought to you by […]
Far West Fungi’s Santa Cruz Store & Café is launching Myco-Mixers - Enjoy an afternoon of food, fun, and fungi! Each Myco-Mixer will feature complimentary bites, product samples, and happy […]
Come for great food and good vibes! Treat yourself to our mouthwatering specialty pub-style dishes, available for a limited time. They’re even better when paired with one of the Bay […]
✏️ Create a locally inspired landscape out of acrylic. Explore shading, depth, & layering techniques. You will receive many tips to help you feel comfortable using the provided creative materials. […]
The Watsonville Farmers Market is every Friday afternoon from 2-7 all year round at the City Plaza in Downtown Watsonville. Don't miss out on the wonderful locally grown fresh fruits, […]
Kianti’s is bringing “The Nightmare Before Christmas” back to life. This holiday performance features Jack Skellington, pizza spinners, dancing staff and a flame-raising kitchen. Shows every Friday & Saturday night […]
Combining their love of ska, surfer rock, punk, tango, ragtime and Devo, the Aquabats bring the excitement of a 1950’s campy comic book to a concert stage! Expect costumed villains […]
See the 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024 NBA G League Franchise of the Year on their home turf! All home games with the Santa Cruz Warriors will continue to feature […]
Market customers appreciate the bountiful selection of top quality produce and specialty foods as well as the opportunity to connect with the farmers and vendors who produce it. Ninety vendors, […]
Established in 2009 with the City of Scotts Valley, this market has become a seasonal treasure to the local community and to those visiting the area looking for a place […]
The Westside Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday, year round at the corner of Hwy 1 and Western Drive. Here we serve the communities of the west end of Santa […]
Need holiday gifts and goodies? Go to the La Selva Beach Holiday Fair! Over 50 craft vendors will offer unique jewelry, art, bags, pottery, candles, garden art, specialty foods, soaps, […]
On this 2.5-mile, 2-hour family-friendly walk, you will explore the plants, animals, and geology of the Santa Cruz County coastal bluffs. Bring water, a hat, closed-toe shoes, layered clothing, and […]
Enjoy sipping local wines and beers while strolling through our charming shops and boutiques in Capitola by the Sea. Pre-registration includes: – Capitola Village Sip & Stroll commemorative glass – […]
Following its 2023 debut, Broadsides No. 2 returns this fall to M.K. Contemporary Art with a dynamic exploration of the connection between poetry and visual art. Nine nationally recognized poets […]
Mountainfilm on Tour brings a selection of culturally rich, adventure-packed and inspiring documentary films curated from the Mountainfilm festival in Telluride, Colorado. Head to the Rio Theatre and explore themes […]
Enjoy the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market every THIRD Sunday in 2025! Featuring 40+ local makers & artists, this market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods. Find some […]
This 90-minute tour is led by State Park docents who will share the history of the Castro family, and the two-story adobe hacienda built over 170 years ago. Enjoy a […]
Head to the Paradox Hotel for an Ocean Themed Art and Sea Glass Fair, with an edge! Vendors will be on theme with local art, ocean themes, sea glass like […]
The Santa Cruz Symphony has been spotlighting the artistry of outstanding musicians in a series of intimate recitals. Here is your chance to see a recital with The Maestro, Daniel […]
A night of short and long-form improv comedy with veteran improvisors, Rafe Chase, Dixie Cox, and Clifford Henderson. Music by Neil Pomerleau. Yes, they'll bringing world-famous Rafe Chase down to […]
✏️ Create a locally inspired landscape in acrylic! Explore shading, depth, & layering techniques. You will receive many tips to help you feel comfortable using the provided creative materials. 🎨 […]
Event timeline: Welcome by Mayor of Watsonville Performance Convocation Santa Tree Lighting
Welcome to the magical world of Cinderella, coming to Santa Cruz this Fall!An enchanting story for all ages with a wonderful dose of humor, majesty of classical ballet and the […]
Deep Roots Dance Festival is a stunning celebration of heritage, innovation, and artistic evolution. Each year, artists of the African Diaspora draw from traditional dance forms to create bold, contemporary […]
Go on. Earn that feast! Flat, fast out and back courses that begin & end on Delaware Street by the back entrance to Natural Bridges. A run with spectacular ocean […]
Enjoy the heart of Aptos village for an exciting afternoon of wine tasting! Bring your holiday shopping list along. Discover local Santa Cruz Mountains wineries, while strolling through Aptos Village […]
Fall Wreath Making Workshop at Santa Cruz Maker Studios! Celebrate the magic of Autumn! This is a cozy, hands-on workshop where you’ll design and craft your very own fall wreath […]
Following a sold out run in 2024, A Christmas Carol returns as a holiday tradition for the whole family! Audiences can expect a theatrical and music-filled adaptation of this classic […]
Wax is mostly known as a rapper. He is also a producer, songwriter, singer (kind of), comedian, and all around creative dude. He has been making music for many many […]
Daniel is best known for hosting and creating TOSH.0, which aired on Comedy Central from 2009-2020. The show showcased internet clips with the addition of Daniel’s comedic perspective. It was […]
Gayle’s will start taking Thanksgiving orders on October 3rd. There are limited quantities, so make sure you order early! They have everything from traditional turkey dinners, sides & appetizers, dinner […]
Just in time for holiday shopping, head to the outdoor market with unique artisans while taking in the spectacular view of the ocean. This one-of-a-kind market will be held in […]
Get in the holiday spirit by bringing the family to ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train through the wintry redwoods to Bear Mountain. Sip hot cider while greeting Santa Claus. […]
Santa has lost his reindeer, but you can help find them! Pick up a map at the Downtown Santa Cruz Information Kiosk, located at 1130 Pacific Avenue K2, the corner […]
A seasonal tradition returns to Santa Cruz with the Santa Cruz Holiday Lights Train. Vintage excursion cars, adorned with thousands of colorful lights, roll through city streets past homes of […]
The Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds Foundation and the Agricultural History Project will again present HOLIDAY LIGHTS 2025 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds. Starting November 28, 2025 – Holiday Lights […]
This is a walk-in Christmas display located in the midtown of Santa Cruz, CA. Their exhibit is very traditional: lots of Christmas trees, garlands, sleighs, an elf village, miniature village’s, […]
See the 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024 NBA G League Franchise of the Year on their home turf! The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Santa Cruz Warriors […]
Over a decade of Makers Markets in Felton! Let the holiday shopping begin! Head to the Felton Community Hall on Saturday, November 29 from 10am-5pm. FREE Admission! Shop with over […]
Gather your loved ones and head to the Boardwalk's Main Plaza to kick off Winter Wonderland with a tree lighting countdown and festive drone show! Enjoy free entertainment, cookies, and […]
This 90-minute, behind-the-scenes hiking tour takes visitors into Younger Lagoon Reserve adjacent to the Seymour Marine Discovery Center. Part of the University of California Natural Reserve System, Younger Lagoon Reserve contains diverse […]
California King Tides are coming to the shores of Santa Cruz County this winter! These naturally occurring and predictable events are when the highest and lowest tides hit our shores […]
Enjoy a quiet exploration of Quail Hollow Ranch, under the moonlight. On this one-hour guided hike on the lower trails, you can search for critters and meander through the forest. […]
Heritage Holiday Craft and Gift Fair returns for its 47th season! Go see what has become the official start of the holiday season in the Pajaro Valley. With three big […]
On the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block […]
Bundle up in the tackiest sweater you’ve ever been gifted for the holidays and head to the redwoods! As you look through arts and crafts, you will be treated to […]
Ho, ho, ho! They’re at it again! Start out at Abbott Square in downtown Santa Cruz for the annual shenanigans wandering throughout the city. Part festive interaction with our community, part […]
Music for the Feast of Christmas -- the way to begin your Holiday! The Cabrillo Symphonic Chorus will present its annual Music for the Feast of Christmas performance. Performance starts […]
Go meet and get your picture taken with Santa and his friends at the Chaminade as you enjoy a festive brunch and beautiful views of the Monterey Bay.
So many wonderful things are made from start to finish in the Pajaro Valley right here in Santa Cruz County! Get some holiday shopping done right from the factory! Driscoll's […]
The traditional holiday parade is the official kickoff for the winter holidays celebration. One never knows exactly what to expect at the Parade, but you can be sure to expect […]
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Take a walk around historic Capitola Village and fill your box with delicious holiday cookies from participating stores! Enjoy this family friendly stroll! Follow the link in the orange button […]
Head to Bargetto Winery for the Annual Art in the Cellars Holiday Festival. Enjoy a weekend filled with Art and Wine. Shop over 30+ Local Artists and Food Vendors. Admission […]
Go check out the Sea to Sky farm house, and learn to make a beautiful locally sourced, seasonal wreath to adorn your home for the winter months. They will have […]
Head to the Aptos Village Green to see local craft vendors, sip coffee or hot chocolate with your cookies and have a picture with Santa. Enjoy music, performances, and of […]
A free to enter community event showcasing the magic of Downtown Boulder Creek. Enjoy the holidays brought to you in just one day! Snag some unique gifts when holiday shopping […]
The Lighted Boat Parade features 50 beautifully decorated power and sailboats parading through the Santa Cruz Harbor. Limited viewing is available from the Murray Street bridge, from the East Harbor […]
Get your friends and family together for a free event full of fun vendors, kid's activities, Santa, wine and so much more!
See the 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024 NBA G League Franchise of the Year on their home turf! All home games with the Santa Cruz Warriors will continue to feature […]
Learn about fascinating fungi and the basics of mushroom identification; just looking, not eating! Open to ages 8 and up. An adult must accompany ages 17 & under.
SV Parks & Recreation will be hosting their 3rd annual "Holiday Craft & Cocoa Event", enjoy a fun-filled holiday evening for families & kids of all ages! Enjoy crafts, cocoa, […]
This holiday, immerse yourself in the joy of the season with the annual Mount Hermon Christmas Concerts, buffet dinner (or Sunday lunch), and Christmas Craft Boutique. Friday and Saturday concert […]
Get ready for a festive extravaganza at the Holiday Market Winter Wonderland! Building on the success of last year's Splash with Santa event by the pool, Parks and Rec will […]
Get into the holiday spirit and explore Santa Cruz’s creative heart at the Annual Winter Art Market, presented by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County. Enjoy live music, tasty food, […]
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM, Event is free, day-use parking fee is $10.
Bring your friends, family and neighbors and come out to enjoy good old-fashioned activities such as spinning wool, cheese making, wooden cow milking and ice cream making! You can even […]
Davenport goes beyond a beautiful place to get away from it all. Just minutes north on the Pacific Coast Highway, Davenport has stunning sweeping ocean and cliff views, the first […]
Enjoy the Steve Abrams Jazz Trio as you merry at the Holiday Wine and Charcuterie celebration. Go get your first pour and plate at the crush pad, then find a […]
Experience the magic of the season at the Wee Kirk Holiday Market, a special evening celebration inspired by traditional European Christmas markets. Enjoy an enchanting night of festive lights, local […]
A gorgeous evening of choral music by the stunning voices of Cantíamo!
Santa Cruz Symphony's Holiday Pops Concert offers festive favorites including holiday music by Leroy Anderson, the lighthearted and nostalgic Symph-Hanukkah, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite, and singalong tunes in a […]
Head to the Grove at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk to enjoy a holiday brunch! The adults can purchase their own adult beverages. There will be cookie decorating as the […]
The annual tradition of the Felton Holiday Market will again take place on the historic covered bridge. ACTIVITIES: Arts & crafts Delicious food & beverages Music Holiday lights And other […]
Enjoy a relaxed and fun-filled Chanukah craft event! This free event offers a variety of easy and enjoyable crafts including making Chanukah cards and dreidel painting. Open to all ages!
Enjoy the Artisan Fair! Explore unique creations from local artists and makers, such as clothing, jewelry, skin care, candles, toys, bags and more! Enjoy live music from 1–3 PM, and […]
Get whisked away into the whimsical world of Toy Trains and enjoy this beloved annual pop-up exhibit at the MAH. Members of the Golden State Toy Train Operators will be […]
Tis the season for an evening of joy and holiday cheer inside the historic Grove Ballroom! • Holiday Pajamas are encouraged! • Each attendee also receives a fun holiday headband! […]
Enjoy free admission to all current exhibitions at the Museum of Art and History. Enjoy the Toy Trains display in the Atrium all day! Participate in a winter themed art […]
Get swept away by the beauty of Clara and friends as you travel to the magical Land of Sweets for this imaginative holiday classic and wonderful family tradition, now in […]
Experience Santa Cruz's spectacular holiday tradition with Santa Cruz Dance Theater's production of The Nutcracker, taking place at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. This year, welcome Lucien Postlewaite, principal dancer […]
Come enjoy holiday decorations, Wharf specials and see Santa arrive on the Wharf by a vintage fire engine!🎅 📸Take photos with Santa! ☃️ Checkout Wharf Business Specials! ❄️Play in the […]
Felton Music Hall Presents the high energy, soulful music of Snail, from right here in Santa Cruz. You may remember their signature song, "The Joker" from their albums in the […]
This year, the concert opens with overflowing joy, with Sweelink’s “Christus natus est”—beloved in Europe as an opening for Christmas programs. The exuberance continues with the first performance in Santa […]
The 9th Annual Reindeer Run in Boulder Creek will be on Christmas eve! Go work off that plum pudding and promote togetherness, silliness, and active lifestyle. Bring your family. Bring […]
See the 2018, 2021, 2022 and 2024 NBA G League Franchise of the Year on their home turf! The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Santa Cruz Warriors […]
Los Lobos are a groundbreaking American band known for fusing traditional Mexican music with rock, country, folk, R&B, and other vernacular styles. They gained international fame with their cover of […]
The title of internationally acclaimed Jesse Daniel's latest country album refers to the mountains creeks and redwoods of his home here in Santa Cruz County. Join in welcoming the Son […]
Sean and the Skinwalkers is a blues rock trio. Just as comfortable playing traditional blues as they are tearing through a psychedelic rock song, the common thread is always the […]
The 2026 celebration will be at the London Nelson Community Center and feature hundreds of fascinating species from the area, uniquely displayed in a re-created woodland habitat. This unique Santa […]
The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their 100th Anniversary World Tour to Kaiser Permanente Arena! This one-of-a-kind basketball experience combines jaw-dropping athleticism, hilarious comedy, and unforgettable fan interaction. It’s fun […]
The Catalyst is the perfect venue for Mike Herrera's warm and friendly stage presence. Get up close to the stage, or head to the balcony to take in the experience […]
Attention chowder lovers! Taste the best at the 45th Annual Clam Chowder Cook-Off! Sample chowder from Amateur Chefs on Saturday, followed by Professional Chefs on Sunday. Both days feature Boston […]
45 years ago, their self-titled album got so popular they went platinum, no thanks to mainstream chart success or radio play. In the 80's, everyone had a copy of the […]
Get ready for the 4th annual Alfred Hitchcock Festival! There will be film screenings, food, drinks, and more! The Hitchcock Festival offers a rich tapestry of activities, blending screenings of […]
The Watsonville Film Festival promotes Latin and indigenous cultural traditions with free events for the community throughout the year.
Swap out your flip flops for running shoes and join the fun with this family-friendly race through the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! Run a 1k or a 5k, on this […]
David has been entertaining audiences with his sardonic wit and incisive social critiques. He is the master of satire and one of today's most observant writers addressing the human condition. […]
Enjoy a festive Summer Luau by the beach! Dress in your best Hawaiian attire and enjoy a tropical buffet, live music, hula dancers, and fun for all ages. Perfect for […]
Come celebrate the vibrant traditions of the Latino community with mariachi, folklorico dancers, and a free beach concert. Enjoy Boardwalk rides and games plus fun food and beverage specials throughout […]
Go see an exciting musical parade as 55 Northern California high school and junior high school marching bands compete next to the iconic Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the ONLY […]
Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun! It's always free to enter the Boardwalk, but if you would like to receive a collectible Boardwalk bag with […]
Find that perfect gift from a selection of locally made, hand crafted wares while enjoying one of the scenic stops along the Corralitos Wine Trail. Enjoy a glass of Lester […]
